"What about that bond?" inquired John. "Have you heard anything
more about it?"
"Not a word," said Mr. Button sharply.
Before the old gentleman turned away, however, for Fred suspected
that the subject was not a welcome topic of conversation, he said
quickly, "Where's the man that wanted the bond?"
"How should I know?" retorted his grandfather.
"Has he been back here?"
"No, sir, he hasn't."
"Do you know where he is?"
"I'm not sure if I did that I should tell you."
"But you said he went to Syracuse."
"If I did that's probably where he went."
"Yes," said Fred, still persisting in asking questions, "but you
don't say whether he is coming back or not."
"That's quite true."
"Is he coming?"
"I cannot tell you."
"Don't you know?"
"Did any one ever hear such a pestiferous child!" said Mr.
Button, laughing as he spoke. "His questions and his tongue run
like a mill-tail."
"What's a mill-tail?" inquired Fred.
"There he goes again!" said Mr. Button, holding up both hands in
mock despair.
"But I want to know whether or not you have been up to Cape
Vincent to do anything about that bond," demanded Fred.
"The bond isn't registered in my name anyway," answered Mr.
Button. "Probably I couldn't get it if I wanted to."
"But you don't answer my question."
"Go into the house now and get ready for dinner.
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